David Moyes' side are in deep trouble, firmly entrenched in a relegation battle, and with so many tough-looking fixtures set to come over the next month, these must be worrying times for Hammers fans.

The east London outfit were expected to be challenging for a Europa League place this season, having spent heavily in the summer, bringing a plethora of established internationals, including the likes of Javier Hernandez and Pablo Zabaleta, to the club.

"I can understand the fans and I can understand everybody who is surprised by our performances. I came here because, and I will say this always, West Ham is for me a big, big club with big history and good players and we shouldn’t be where we are. The club and all the people who are involved with it deserve better, and we players need to show the people who come to the stadium late in the evening, or even cancel their work to come and support us, that we will fight for them, for the club and fight for ourselves."

The 28-year-old Austrian has been one of the chief culprits this season, as far as a lack of fight and passion is concerned, although he did show glimpses of his potential during West Ham's draw with Leicester City last week.

And he really will need to be at his very best if his side are to have any chance of extracting themselves from the trouble they are currently in, what with so many tough fixtures on the horizon.

Antony Martin

A passionate football writer with an obsession for the beautiful game. Still has not seen either his club or country win a trophy during his time on earth. Aside from football, he is also a keen follower of golf, tennis and darts.